Real Madrid midfielder Cristiano Ronaldo says he will not celebrate if he scores against Manchester United

Cristiano Ronaldo, the former Manchester United winger, has said he will not
celebrate if he scores in Champions League last-16 knockout round after Sir
Alex Ferguson's side were pitted against Real Madrid in Thursday's draw.

Crowning glory: Cristiano Ronaldo won the European Cup during his six-year spell at Old TraffordPhoto: GETTY IMAGES

Ronaldo, who spent six seasons at Old Trafford before his £80-million transfer to the Santiago Bernabéu in 2009, added that he misses manager Ferguson "a lot".

"I won't celebrate if I score against United," Ronaldo told Spanish newspaper AS. "I still speak with Ferguson. I miss him a lot, and I miss Manchester United. I felt very good there, it was like a family.

"I had six great years there and am still friends with my team-mates. It is thanks to Manchester United that I am here playing for Real Madrid. Without them, I wouldn't be the player I am today."

Ferguson, meanwhile, joked on Friday that he would be checking the small print of Ronaldo's transfer to Real to see if there is any way of stopping him playing against United in the two-legged tie to be played in February and March 2013.

The Scot knows stopping the 27-year-old represents a formidable challenge, which is why his first thought is self preservation.